Disney’s MGM Studios Theme Park had it’s grand opening on May 1st, 1989. Then in January 2008 it was renamed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park has had plenty of changes over the years including adding the iconic Tower of Terror, Rock n’ Roller Coaster, Toy Story Land, and more recently Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. This year marked the parks 35th Anniversary which seemed like it should be a bit deal, but honestly the celebration was a little light for most fans.

I visited the park later in the day hoping to avoid the larger crowds that were sure to have flocked to the park first thing in the morning. My plan seemed to be working as I was able to get a decent parking spot, breezed right through security and had no line to scan my magic band upon entering the park.

Something that did strike me as a bit strange was the lack of any sort of signage or decorations at the front of the park for the anniversary. Even heading down Hollywood Boulevard towards the Chinese Theater was your standard decor.

I had read online earlier in the day that the 35th anniversary merchandise was all being sold out of the old Muppets Stage 1 Gift Shop back in the Muppets courtyard. I headed back that way and after having to join a virtual queue to get a return time I eventually went inside. The place had definitely been picked over but again to my surprise there really wasn’t much available.

T-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, mugs, tumblers and some pins was about it. There were a few variations of each but really not a whole lot of selection.

For the average guest there were definitely some complaints going around on this lackluster celebration. I wasn’t really there for any of that standard merch, instead us elongated coin collectors had been a little surprised to hear that a special set of pennies had been released. Now this machine is a bit hard to explain it’s location so I’ll do my best. If you are coming from the front of the park walking along Hollywood Boulevard you come to a cross street Sunset Boulevard that you would then take towards the Tower of Terror. At this intersection is the above water fountain.

To the right of this water fountain is a small building. One side had a maintenance door, and the other side is where they sell ice cream and beer. If you walk around the back of this building there is an ATM and the penny machine. This building and location is known as Hollywood Junction.

The machine had all four of its designs replaced with some nice new ones featuring Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Woody, the Tower Hotel and the Millennium Falcon all with the Hollywood Studios logo and a large 35. It seems like the word had gotten out on these new pennies as there was quite the line to use it, and I’ve heard from other collectors that it’s been out of order quite a few times since the new designs became available. Once the initial craze dies down I’m sure the machine will be back in regular working order and with little to no line.

I’ll confirm that this was a pretty weak celebration. My assumption is this is just due to so many similar celebrations happening within the last few years. The WDW 50th was great, then the Disney Company 100th wasn’t all that great, and now this 35th anniversary was Disney just barely phoning it in. I think it’s very similar to the Animal Kingdom 25th Celebration from a couple years ago. Just a small ceremony, followed by some merchandise that’s available for only one day and a nice set of elongated coins. Then it’s on to the next one. It seems like now we should have a few years before another milestone anniversary occurs again. Even if they decide to keep things small I’m okay with that, as long as they keep rolling out new pressed pennies to help with the celebration. Keep on Pressing!

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